Learn the basics of density and buoyancy through a series of hands-on engineering challenges. Students will explore how submarines are designed to dive and climb through the water by changing their density.

This program typically takes place in the OMSI Auditorium, not on the USS Blueback Submarine. (There's just not enough space down there!) Combine this program with a submarine tour during your field trip.

A minimum of 2 weeks' advance notice is required for all registration requests. If you have questions, please contact us at 503.797.4661 or
register@omsi.edu.

Standards Addressed
Structure and Function:

3.1P.1 —

Compare and contrast the properties of states of matter.

4.1P.1 —

Describe the properties of forms of energy and how objects vary in the extent to which they absorb, reflect, and conduct energy.

4.1E.1 —

Identify properties, uses, and availability of Earth materials.

6.1P.1 —

Describe physical and chemical properties of matter and how they can be measured.

8.1P.3 —

Explain how the motion and spacing of particles determines states of matter.

Interaction and Change:

3.2P.1 —

Describe how forces cause changes in an object’s position, motion, and speed.

4.2P.1 —

Describe physical changes in matter and explain how they occur.

5.2P.1 —

Describe how friction, gravity, and magnetic forces affect objects on or near Earth.

6.2P.1 —

Describe and compare types and properties of waves and explain how they interact with matter.

7.2P.1 —

Identify and describe types of motion and forces and relate forces qualitatively to the laws of motion and gravitation.

8.2P.2 —

Explain how energy is transferred, transformed, and conserved.

Scientific Inquiry:

3.3S.1 —

Plan a simple investigation based on a testable question, match measuring tools to their uses, and collect and record data from a scientific investigation.

3.3S.2 —

Use the data collected from a scientific investigation to explain the results and draw conclusions.

4.3S.1 —

Based on observations identify testable questions, design a scientific investigation, and collect and record data consistent with a planned scientific investigation.

4.3S.3 —

Explain that scientific claims about the natural world use evidence that can be confirmed and support a logical argument.

6.3S.1 —

Based on observations and science principles, propose questions or hypotheses that can be examined through scientific investigation. Design and conduct an investigation that uses appropriate tools and techniques to collect relevant data.

7.3S.1 —

Based on observations and science principles, propose questions or hypotheses that can be examined through scientific investigation. Design and conduct a scientific investigation that uses appropriate tools and techniques to collect relevant data.

Engineering Design:

3.4D.1 —

Identify a problem that can be addressed through engineering design, propose a potential solution, and design a prototype.

4.4D.1 —

Identify a problem that can be addressed through engineering design using science principles.

4.4D.2 —

Design, construct, and test a prototype of a possible solution to a problem using appropriate tools, materials, and resources.

4.4D.3 —

Explain how the solution to one problem may create other problems.

5.4D.1 —

Using science principles, describe a solution to a need or problem given criteria and constraints.

5.4D.2 —

Design and build a prototype of a proposed engineering solution and identify factors such as cost, safety, appearance, environmental impact, and what will happen if the solution fails.

6.4D.1 —

Define a problem that addresses a need and identify science principles that may be related to possible solutions.

6.4D.2 —

Design, construct, and test a possible solution to a defined problem using appropriate tools and materials. Evaluate proposed engineering design solutions to the defined problem.

6.4D.3 —

Describe examples of how engineers have created inventions that address human needs and aspirations.

7.4D.1 —

Define a problem that addresses a need and identify constraints that may be related to possible solutions.

7.4D.2 —

Design, construct, and test a possible solution using appropriate tools and materials. Evaluate proposed solutions to identify how design constraints are addressed.

7.4D.3 —

Explain how new scientific knowledge can be used to develop new technologies and how new technologies can be used to generate new scientific knowledge.

8.4D.1 —

Define a problem that addresses a need, and using relevant science principles investigate possible solutions given specified criteria, constraints, priorities, and trade-offs.